knotIn1

I've been shouting this from the rooftops for years, both here and on jewelry threads (was in that business for quite a while). It doesn't seem to penetrate through to those people who desperately want to believe that they all but stole a valuable piece of art, or bought a $5000 diamond ring for $2000. I'm certain that there's a rare exception here and there ... but even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then. The key word here, as you aptly point out, is "sell." One's return on investment (much like a home) is the only true measure of value ... and that is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for a given item. Once again (for the umpteenth time) if you like it, and are comfortable with the price, buy it and enjoy it ... but don't try to sell it!

I wish people would see this. My wife and I have a business where we have daily dealings with antique dealers and occasionally art dealers. I hate to paint these dealers with a broad brush, but many (who I have had dealings with) are very unscrupulous in regards to their work. One poster stated that an "art dealer" appraised their art purchase at a much higher price then paid. I know how dealers work. They are in the business to sell themselves so they can sell you their wares. They will butter you up, comment how you have a great eye, and your taste in the finer things is superb.......all in the hopes to get your business in the future. A dealer realizes that if they criticize your "eye" for art/antiques, you would probably feel insulted and this would put up a wall between you and the dealer.....resulting in no future sales for the predator.

Those who truly buy art for investment would not be buying from a cruise ship. They are buying from Christies and the like. If the ship art was such a deal, you would see agents from Christies sailing the ship. Also, buying from an artist that is alive, kicking and painting actually hurts your investment. The more they push out, the less it is worth. Supply and demand.

tell you about the Martiros that we bought that was recently appraised by a very reputable art dealer at over twice what we paid. :)

 

Art is in the eye of the beholder. The art we've bought from Princess brings a smile to my face and is a delight to my eyes. As such it is a good investment.

Appraised value means very little. Was it appraised at replacement value? Was it appraised at fair market value? What you paid, what it's "worth" is and what you can SELL it for are 3 different things!

A diamond 1ct "nice" ring may be bought for about 5k, could be appraised at replacement value of 7k -8k, but try to sell it......be lucky to get 2-3k.